The Zamfara State Government has announced that it has spent over N460 million on the ongoing renovation of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commissioner of Youths and Sports Development, Tasi’u Shinkafi, made this known on Thursday in Gusau while declaring open a one-day workshop for NYSC corps member employers in the state. The workshop, which had the theme “Evolving Strategies for Promoting a Healthy Work/Life Balance for Corps Members: The Role of Employers,” was aimed at enhancing the productivity and welfare of the corps members.
Mr. Shinkafi said that the state government was committed to improving the living and working conditions of the corps members and the entire NYSC staff in the state. He said that the renovation work, which had reached 40 percent completion, would include building additional structures in the camp. He expressed optimism that the camp would be one of the best orientation camps in the country when completed.
He also said that the state government, under Governor Dauda Lawal, regarded the NYSC scheme and corps members as critical stakeholders in the development of the state. He noted that since the inception of the NYSC scheme, corps members have been contributing to the development of various sectors of the country. He urged the workshop participants to deliberate on ways to improve the productivity and motivation of corps members.
The Deputy Director, Finance and Accounts, NYSC North West Area Office, Igbudu Ugada, spoke on behalf of the Director of the NYSC North West Area Office, Kaduna, Kehinde Aremu, who urged employers to be mindful of the difficulties and pressures that corps members face. He said that corps members often experienced long working hours, unrealistic expectations, and an inadequate support system from their employers. He stressed the need for employers to provide an environment that promotes work-life balance for corps members.
The State NYSC Coordinator, Abdulsalam Alhassan, commended the state government for its support of the NYSC scheme and corps members. He also thanked the employers for their cooperation and collaboration with the NYSC. He said that the theme of the workshop was timely and relevant, considering the link between productivity and motivation through adequate welfare for corps members. He urged the participants to utilize the workshop for their own benefit and that of their organizations, the state, and Nigeria in general.